SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH PROSTATE CANCER AFTER RADIATION THERAPY

Abstract

The paper presents results of clinical and psychological studies of the quality of life of elderly patients with prostate cancer following radiation therapy. Socio-psychological aspects of the quality of life were assessed using a modified scale of self-evaluation of Dembo-Rubinstein. In 3-6 months after radiation therapy there was noted significant reduction, compared to the beginning of treatment, on scales: «satisfaction with communication», «satisfaction with health», «satisfaction material conditions», «satisfaction with sexual relations», «satisfaction with activity», «satisfaction with leisure time and rest». Average indices of scales «satisfaction with health», «satisfaction with sexual relations», «satisfaction with leisure time and rest» fell below the middle. At the same time patients were not depressed by their situation did not fixed on thoughts about the disease, on the contrary the mood was significantly higher compared to the initial course of radiotherapy that could be associated with the psychological characteristics of the age of the patients in our sample.